Endovascular stent-graft treatment of thoracic aortic syndromes: a 7-year experience

Anterior chest wall non-traumatic diseases: a road map for the radiologist

The anterior chest wall (AWC) non-traumatic pathologies are largely underestimated, and early detection through imaging is becoming increasingly important. This paper aims to review the major non-traumatic ACW pathologies, with a particular interest in imaging features and differential diagnosis. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Diagnostic and interventional radiology: an update

NOT PRESENT.

Percutaneous needle biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions: technical developments

Percutaneous Needle Biopsy (PNB) is the insertion of a needle into a suspected lesion or an organ with the aim to obtain cells or tissue for diagnosis. It’s a relatively non-invasive procedure and is performed by radiologist under guidance of imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT). The choice of imaging technique depends on the evaluation of the target lesion and patient compliance. PNB includes two categories: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) that is the use of a thin needle (18-25 gauge) to extract cells for cytological evaluation; and core needle biopsy (CNB) that is the use of a larger needle (9-20 gauge) to extract a piece of tissue for histological evaluation. The indications for biopsy are the characterization of nature (benign or malignant) of a lesion, diagnosis and staging of tumor, and biological or immunohistochemical/genetic analisys on tissue. Success of PNB is the procurement of sufficient material to characterize lesions and to guide the patient outcome. Major complications are rare. PNB became a useful technique in diagnosis and study of retroperitoneal lesions, because of a more suitable access to specific intra-abdominal structures, lowering the risk of injury of interposed structures (such as bowel, great vessels). (www.actabiomedica.it)

Radiation-induced brain cavernomas in elderly: review of the literature and a rare case report

Radiation-induced brain cavernomas have been mainly reported in children who underwent radiotherapy for medulloblastoma, leukemia, or low-grade glioma. Otherwise, the “de novo” appearance of a cavernoma in an elderly long-survivor patient after resection and radiotherapy of a glioblastoma is a rare event. We report the case of a 62-year-old female patient who underwent surgical resection of a right temporal glioblastoma, followed by radiation therapy of the operative field and surrounding brain and concomitant adjuvant temozolomide. Four years after the operation, a follow-up Magnetic Resonance revealed a good tumor control and a small round lesion at the superior surface of the right cerebellar hemisphere, close to the margins of the previous irradiation field. The radiological items were consistent with a cavernous angioma. Because of the small size of the malformation and the absence of related symptoms, no treatment was performed. The patient died for tumor progression 86 months after the initial operation, with unchanged cerebellar cavernoma. The occurrence of a cavernous angioma in an elderly patient after radiotherapy for brain glioblastoma is an exceptional event; the distribution of radiotherapy-induced cavernous malformations reported in current literature is presented and the mechanism of their formation is discussed. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Diagnostic value/performance of radiological liver imaging during chemoterapy for gastrointestinal malignancy: a critical review

This article reviews the main toxic effect, complications and relative imaging findings of the liver that may appear during the oncologic follow up among patients affected by gastrointestinal malignancy. Awareness of the causative chemotherapeutic agent and regimens, pathophysiology and relative characteristic imaging findings of hepatic injuries is critical in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis especially when these parenchymal lesions are focal. An accurate synergic radiological diagnosis with Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) techniques may induce a potential termination of ineffective/toxic chemotherapy during early phases of treatment, changing the therapeutic plan in order to avoid first unnecessary liver biopsy and then invasive treatment as hepatic resection if not required.

Neuroimaging in emergency: a review of possible role of pineal gland disease

The pineal gland can be involved in a variety of neoplastic and congenital masses and tumors. Pineal gland neoplasms occur more frequently in children, accounting for 3-8% of intracranial tumors in the pediatric population. Pineal cysts are small lesions usually asymptomatic and encountered incidentally. Pathologic processes involving the pineal region produce signs and symptoms related to the mass effect on the adjacent structures and invasion of surrounding structures. These include several acute symptoms, such as increased intracranial pressure syndrome from obstruction of the aqueduct and consequent hydrocephalus, and Parinaud syndrome. Pineal apoplexy is rare and refers to the sudden neurological deterioration following hemorrhage in the pineal gland, most commonly into a pineal cyst. Knowledge of the clinical presentation and imaging features of these lesions is essential to narrow the differential diagnosis, especially when presenting with acute onset.

Traumatic fractures in adults: missed diagnosis on plain radiographs in the Emergency Department

Radiography remains the imaging standard for fracture detection after trauma. The radiographic diagnosis of most fractures and dislocations poses little difficulty to radiologists: however, occasionally these injuries are quite subtle or even impossible to detect on radiographs. Missed diagnoses of fracture potentially have important consequences for patients, clinicians, and radiologists. Radiologists play a pivot role in the diagnostic assessment of the trauma patients: emergency radiologists who are more practiced at seeking out and discerning traumatic fractures can provide an invaluable service to their clinical colleagues by ensuring that patients do not endure delayed diagnoses. This is a narrative review article aims to highlight the spectrum of fractures in adults potentially missed on plain radiographs, the causes of error in diagnosis of fractures in the emergency setting and the key elements to reduce misdiagnosis of fractures.

Scapular fractures: a common diagnostic pitfall

Scapular fractures are one of the most difficult fractures to diagnose on radiographs. Detection can be challenging because of the obscuration by the overlying structures or incomplete imaging due to difficult patient collaboration. Familiarity with imaging characteristics of these abnormalities will allow radiologists to better diagnose and characterize scapular fractures. Three-dimensional computed tomographic scans are considered the gold standard for scapular diagnoses. Treatment strategies differ depending on the type of scapular fractures, but the site and degree of displacement will determine whether surgical intervention should be considered. Complications can occur in fractures that are undiagnosed or improperly evaluated. The purpose of this article is to describe imaging features of traumatic scapular injury, and discuss the role of diagnostic imaging in clinical decision making after shoulder trauma. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone neoplasm with a reported incidence of 2-3% among all bone primary tumors. Although it is a small and benign lesion, it is often cause of patient complaint and discomfort. It is generally characterized by a long lasting, unremitting pain that typically exacerbates at night, often leading to sleep deprivation and functional limitation of the skeletal segment involved, with a significant reduction of patient daily life activities and consequent worsening of the overall quality of life. Over decades, complete surgical resection has represented the only curative treatment for symptomatic patients. In the last years, new percutaneous ablation techniques, especially radiofrequency ablation, have been reported to be a safe and effective alternative to classical surgery, with a low complication and recurrence rate, and a significant reduction in hospitalization cost and duration. The aim of this article is to provide an overview about the radiofrequency thermal ablation procedure in the treatment of osteoid osteoma. (www.actabiomedica.it)

CT and MR imaging of the thoracic aorta

At present time, both CT and MRI are valuable techniques in the study of the thoracic aorta. Nowadays, CT represents the most widely employed technique for the study of the thoracic aorta. The new generation CTs show sensitivities up to 100% and specificities of 98-99%. Sixteen and wider row detectors provide isotropic pixels, mandatory for the ineludible longitudinal reconstruction. The main limits are related to the X-ray dose expoure and the use of iodinated contrast media. MRI has great potential in the study of the thoracic aorta. Nevertheless, if compared to CT, acquisition times remain longer and movement artifact susceptibility higher. The main MRI disadvantages are claustrophobia, presence of ferromagnetic implants, pacemakers, longer acquisition times with respect to CT, inability to use contrast media in cases of renal insufficiency, lower spatial resolution and less availability than CT. CT is preferred in the acute aortic disease. Nevertheless, since it requires iodinated contrast media and X-ray exposure, it may be adequately replaced by MRI in the follow up of aortic diseases. The main limitation of MRI, however, is related to the scarce visibility of stents and calcifications.

Mesenteric ischemia: the importance of differential diagnosis for the surgeon

Background

Intestinal ischemia is an abdominal emergency that accounts for approximately 2% of gastrointestinal illnesses. It represents a complex of diseases caused by impaired blood perfusion to the small and/or large bowel including acute arterial mesenteric ischemia (AAMI), acute venous mesenteric ischemia (AVMI), non occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R), ischemic colitis (IC). In this study different study methods (US, CT) will be correlated in the detection of mesenteric ischemia imaging findings due to various etiologies.

Methods

Basing on our institutions experience, 163 cases of mesenteric ischemia/infarction from various cases, investigated with CT and undergone surgical treatment were retrospectively evaluated, in particular trought the following findings: presence/absence of arterial/venous obstruction, bowel wall thickness and enhancement, presence/absence of spastic reflex ileus, hypotonic reflex ileus or paralitic ileus, mural and/or portal/mesenteric pneumatosis, abdominal free fluid, parenchymal ischemia/infarction (liver, kidney, spleen).

Results

To make an early diagnosis useful to ensure a correct therapeutic approach, it is very important to differentiate between occlusive (arterial, venous) and non occlusive causes (NOMI). The typical findings of each forms of mesenteric ischemia are explained in the text.

Conclusion

The radiological findings of mesenteric ischemia have different course in case of different etiology. In venous etiology the progression of damage results faster than arterial even if the symptomatology is less acute; bowel wall thickening is an early finding and easy to detect, simplifying the diagnosis. In arterial etiology the damage progression is slower than in venous ischemia, bowel wall thinning is typical but difficult to recognize so diagnosis may be hard. In the NOMI before/without reperfusion the ischemic damage is similar to AAMI with additional involvement of large bowel parenchymatous organs. In reperfusion after NOMI and after AAMI the CT and surgical findings are similar to those of AVMI, and the injured bowel results quite easy to identify. The prompt recognition of each condition is essential to ensure a successful treatment.

The role of US examination in the management of acute abdomen

Acute abdomen is a medical emergency, in which there is sudden and severe pain in abdomen of recent onset with accompanying signs and symptoms that focus on an abdominal involvement. It can represent a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from a benign and self-limiting disease to a surgical emergency. Nevertheless, only one quarter of patients who have previously been classified with an acute abdomen actually receive surgical treatment, so the clinical dilemma is if the patients need surgical treatment or not and, furthermore, in which cases the surgical option needs to be urgently adopted. Due to this reason a thorough and logical approach to the diagnosis of abdominal pain is necessary. Some Authors assert that the location of pain is a useful starting point and will guide a further evaluation. However some causes are more frequent in the paediatric population (like appendicitis or adenomesenteritis) or are strictly related to the gender (i.e. gynaechologic causes). It is also important to consider special populations such as the elderly or oncologic patients, who may present with atypical symptoms of a disease. These considerations also reflect a different diagnostic approach. Today, surely the integrated imaging, and in particular the use of multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) has revolutionised the clinical approach to this condition, simplyfing the diagnosis but burdening the radiologists with the problems related to the clinical management. However although CT emerging as a modality of choice for evaluation of the acute abdomen, ultrasonography (US) remains the primary imaging technique in the majority of cases, especially in young and female patients, when the limitation of the radiation exposure should be mandatory, limiting the use of CT in cases of nondiagnostic US and in all cases where there is a discrepancy between the clinical symptoms and negative imaging at US.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in blunt abdominal trauma

In the assessment of polytrauma patient, an accurate diagnostic study protocol with high sensitivity and specificity is necessary. Computed Tomography (CT) is the standard reference in the emergency for evaluating the patients with abdominal trauma. Ultrasonography (US) has a high sensitivity in detecting free fluid in the peritoneum, but it does not show as much sensitivity for traumatic parenchymal lesions. The use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) improves the accuracy of the method in the diagnosis and assessment of the extent of parenchymal lesions. Although the CEUS is not feasible as a method of first level in the diagnosis and management of the polytrauma patient, it can be used in the follow-up of traumatic injuries of abdominal parenchymal organs (liver, spleen and kidneys), especially in young people or children.

Abdominal vascular emergencies: US and CT assessment

Acute vascular emergencies can arise from direct traumatic injury to the vessel or be spontaneous (non-traumatic).The vascular injuries can also be divided into two categories: arteial injury and venous injury.Most of them are life-treatening emergencies, sice they may cause an important ipovolemic shock or severe ischemia in their end organ and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.In the different clinical scenarios, the correct diagnostic approach to vascular injuries isn't firmly established and advantages of one imaging technique over the other are not obvious.Ultrasound (US) is an easy accessible, safe and non-invasive diagnostic modality but Computed Tomography (CT) with multiphasic imaging study is an accurate modality to evaluate the abdominal vascular injuries therefore can be considered the primary imaging modality in vascular emergencies.The aim of this review article is to illustrate the different imaging options for the diagnosis of abdominal vascular emergencies, including traumatic and non traumatic vessel injuries, focusing of US and CT modalities.

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk before endovascular aortic repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

PURPOSE

Celiac trunk coil embolization before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm involving the celiac trunk can prevent type II endoleaks. One disadvantage of conventional coil embolization is the risk of coil displacement. We performed coil embolization under balloon occlusion of the celiac trunk to address this issue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2008 and January 2011, 5 patients (3 men and 2 women, mean age 76 years) were included in this study. For all patients, after confirming the collateral blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery via the pancreaticoduodenal arcades by using the balloon occlusion test, celiac trunk coil embolization proceeded under balloon occlusion of the proximal part of the celiac trunk.

RESULTS

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk was completed for all patients without any complications. All coils were deployed as planned in the short segment of the celiac trunk without displacement. Coil migration, ischemic complications, and endoleaks via the celiac trunk did not arise in any of the patients over a follow-up period of 77-637 (mean 258) days.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk before TEVAR could be a feasible treatment option for suitable patients.

Early experience of thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a local single hospital experience

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short- to mid-term results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in Wonkwang University School of Medicine & Hospital.

Methods

Between February 2009 and May 2011, 8 consecutive patients had undergone endovascular stent-grafting for thoracic aortic diseases. Five patients were treated for traumatic thoracic aortic injuries, two patients were treated for thoracic aneurysms and one patient was treated for a pseudoaneurysm due to penetrating aortic ulcers. Attempted stent-graft deployment was performed electively in 6 patients and emergently in 2. Follow-up was performed at 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, and annually thereafter.

Results

Technical success rates were achieved in 87.5% and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Mean hospital length of stay after TEVAR was 30 days in traumatic thoracic aortic injuries and 10 days in thoracic aneurismal diseases. Intra-operative Type I endoleak due to migration at deflation was visualized in 1 patient, which was treated by insertion of another stent-graft. During follow-up, a major complication was encountered in one patient who received carotid-subclavian bypass to relieve left arm ischemia. After 5 months he was treated with arch replacement for aortic arch aneurysm with type I endoleak at proximal site after endovascular treatment. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. However, 1 case of mortality (12.5%) was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The short and mid-term results of endovascular repair of thoracic aortic diseases are promising. TEVAR is an effective procedure in the management of thoracic aortic diseases.

Endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic disease: single-center, 15-year experience

PURPOSE

To report the experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a single center over a 15-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients undergoing TEVAR during the period 1994-2009 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The study comprised 133 patients (96 men, age 69.5 years ± 14.7) who underwent 21 emergency and 112 elective TEVAR procedures. Aortic pathologies included 91 aneurysms, 14 pseudoaneurysms, 14 penetrating ulcers with or without pseudoaneurysms or intramural hematomas, 8 type B dissections (3 acute and 5 chronic), and 6 traumatic transections. Technical success was 97.7% with a 30-day mortality of 7.5%. There were 101 patients followed to 1 year, 35 patients followed to 5 years, and 6 patients followed to 10-15 years. The overall estimated survivals at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years were 81%, 48%, and 36%. The 30-day mortality rates in emergency and elective TEVAR procedures were 23.9% and 4.5% (P = .005). However, among patients who survived > 30 days, there was no significant difference in mortality between groups undergoing emergency and elective TEVAR procedures (P = .9, hazard ratio [HR] 0.94, confidence interval [CI] 0.4-2.2). There was no significant gender survival difference. The 30-day mortality rate in octogenarians (n = 31) was higher than in younger patients (P = .03). Incidences of stroke and paraplegia within 30 days of TEVAR were 6.8% and 2.2%. Endoleaks were found in 39 (29%) patients, and secondary interventions were performed in 6 (4.5%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support the safety and efficacy of TEVAR for aortic pathologies with a low mortality rate. Younger patients have fewer complications after TEVAR. After the acute perioperative period, TEVAR procedures performed emergently are as durable as the procedures performed electively.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Local Single Institution Experience

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short- to mid-term results of the endovascular repair of thoracic aortic disease and to present an overview of our experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in our institution. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who were treated and underwent TEVAR in our institution between August 2004 and November 2009 was conducted. Results: Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Perioperative endoleak was visualised at the end of the procedure in 4 patients. Secondary endoleak was observed in 2 patients. Mean hospital length of stay post-TEVAR was 15.4 days. Postoperative major complications were observed in 4 patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%, with 2 mortalities (11.1%) during the follow-up period. Conclusion: This study adds to the growing body of literature that support TEVAR as an effective procedure in the management of thoracic aortic diseases and reflects its feasibility in our population. Further technical advancement in stent grafts, careful selection of patients and standardised peri-procedural care would contribute to further improvements in clinical outcomes. Key words: Endovascular, Stent graft, TEVAR, Thoracic aneurysm, Thoracic dissection

Percutaneous occlusion of the left subclavian and celiac arteries before or during endograft repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with detachable nitinol vascular plugs

PURPOSE

To review an experience with the Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) for prevention of type II endoleaks during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review was undertaken of 14 patients undergoing transcatheter occlusion of the left subclavian (n = 12) or celiac artery (n = 2) with the AVP as part of EVAR of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms at a single institution. Procedural criteria evaluated were success at target vessel occlusion, the number of AVPs used, use of adjunctive embolization devices, and embolization-related ischemic end-organ events. Follow-up imaging criteria included evaluation of persistent target vessel occlusion, evidence of device migration, and the presence and characterization of endoleak secondary to AVP failure.

RESULTS

Complete target vessel occlusion was documented for all cases. In six cases, more than one AVP was placed, with an average of 1.5 devices per patient. In two cases, adjunctive coils were placed. Computed tomographic or magnetic resonance angiography follow-up was available for all patients (mean follow-up, 419 days; range 28-930 d). No case showed evidence of device migration or type II endoleak resulting from AVP failure. There was a single instance of left subclavian artery recanalization without type II endoleak. There were no embolization-related ischemic end-organ events.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter arterial occlusion of the subclavian and celiac arteries with the AVP is a valuable adjunct to endografting in cases in which side branch embolization is necessary to extend the landing zone.

Thoracic endoleak embolization using a direct percutaneous puncture of the endoleak through lung parenchyma

An 84-year-old patient presented with an endoleak after endovascular repair of a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. The endoleak was thought to be a type II endoleak on computed tomographic (CT) angiography and was not visualized on angiography. The endoleak was accessed via direct puncture of the endoleak sac through the pleura and lung parenchyma with use of fluoroscopic and C-arm CT guidance. The endoleak was embolized with platinum coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate with no complications. Follow-up imaging with CT angiography at 43 days revealed no recurrent endoleak.